Although both sides acknowledged “positive progress” in the first round of talks they held in late April and early May in Zanzibar, the week-long dialogue concluded without a deal. The security forces’ arguably heavy-handed handling of the conflict has undeniably fueled a sense of animosity towards the federal and Oromia governments among a substantial section of the Oromo people. However, the failure of the strategy they have pursued thus far calls for a pivot towards the settlement of political differences through negotiation and dialogue. The restart of talks between the federal government and OLF-OLA hopefully marks a return of both to their senses. Dialogue is not something that either side embraces when they feel they have no other option; it’s a choice they need to make their first and only choice.
